Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Friday, 27 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 February 2006. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 2 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bovine TB

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons her Department has refused Mrs. Kremers of New Park Farm, Ogwell, Devon the option of paying for a second TB test for an animal that tested positive to the initial tuberculin skin test; and by what means Mrs. Kremers can appeal against this decision.

Answer: The current skin test for bovine tuberculosis (TB) is an effective test. It is the accepted standard laid down in both national and international legislation for determining the existence of disease in a cattle herd.The Tuberculosis (England and Wales) Order 1984 requires cattle failing the tuberculin test, and those considered to have been direct contacts exposed to TB, to be compulsorily slaughtered. There is no provision for a second TB test nor is there a mechanism for appeals.

Secondary information